Page 29 of Broken Skulls

“Honestly, that’s what I wanted too, but not for the same reason. I didn’t give a shit what people thought about me.”

Jacob remains quiet. “The baby was a girl, wasn’t it?”

“How did you guess?”

“Just a feeling.”

“She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”

“It was never about protecting Dr. Williams … you were protecting your daughter.”

I cover my mouth, trying my best to keep quiet.

“You can cry.”

Something taps me on the head, and I look up to see his hand. A loud sob escapes me. I let him pet my hair as I cry. “I’ve never told anyone about her.”

The tips of his fingers massage my scalp, easing the tightness in my chest.

“You were only protecting what was yours.”

Chapter Thirteen

Elizabeth

For the first time in years, I slept soundly all night.

My thoughts pause as Jacob leans around me to pour a glass of milk. His bare chest is so close to my cheek that I can feel heat radiating from his body. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes.

I know why I slept soundly. It’s him.

“You were protecting what was yours.”

He understands me.

Jacob has me.

It’s what I prayed for. Someone to see me. Not only see me but love me despite my flaws. I never thought my prayers would be answered, because I never thought I’d tell anyone.

Why him?

I could have told my parents, Danielle, Tank …

Jacob smiles as he sits down across from me. He’s a complete stranger, yet I feel like I’m sitting with someone I’ve known my entire life.

“Why did you leave me your number the day Kelsie visited me at the home?”

He taps my plate with his fork, encouraging me to eat. “Your food’s going to get cold. Eat,” he orders gently.

His eyes hold mine hostage until I pick up a piece of toast and take a bite.

“Because when she left the room, and you thought you were alone, I saw you wipe your eyes.”

“So?”

“She got to you. Someone had finally pricked the bubble you’d locked yourself in, there was no going back from that. I knew you would need someone.”

He’s right. Kelsie broke through.

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